The Manitowoc Lutheran Lancers are heading back to the WIAA Girls State Volleyball Tournament at the Resch Center in Ashwaubenon.
The defending Division Four champions begin their quest for a Division Three title with a state semifinal Friday morning at 8:00 against the defending D-3 champion Barron Bears.
The Lancers made the Division Three Final Four with a thrilling five-set sectional final victory over Big East conference rival St. Mary Catholic Saturday night in Chilton.
Head Coach Lacey Behnke tells SeehaferNews.com, “The gray hair, the stress, the headaches, it’s worth it, especially to see the smiles on these girls’ faces, even when things weren’t looking great for us. It’s purely a joy just to be a part of this game with these kids. I’ll take all the gray hair in the world just to see the smiles on these girls’ faces.”
The Lancers were down a match point twice in the fifth set before prevailing 18 to 16 in that fifth and deciding set.
Junior Ava Steubes put it away with a thunderous kill to send Manitowoc Lutheran back to state.
“A little bit of shock, and I started shaking. I truly didn’t know what was happening,” she recalled. “I didn’t know if we were going to pull through, but we did. I wanted to win so badly because last year’s experience was so fun, and now that we’re going back (to state), my life is complete.”
Manitowoc Lutheran was up two sets to one and 8 to 3 in the fourth set before the Zephyrs began their comeback, almost ending the Lancers’ season.
Sophomore Sallie Ann Burrows says, “We take it point by point every single time,” she explained. “We’re always prepared with a smooth and easy approach.”
It’s been quite the ride for these girls, who’ve won 71 matches in the last two years heading into the state tournament.
Senior Marissa Melhorn says it’s truly been a blessing.
“We are just so blessed to have such an amazing support group,” she said. “Fans come from near and far to watch us play, cheering their hearts out every play. It’s truly amazing and I can’t wait to carry this to the Resch.”
The Lancers will be special guests tonight on WOMT Sports Talk, airing from 5:30 to 7:15 p.m. at Salute to Everyone, located at 1107 South 10th Street in Manitowoc.
